Can lenses be interchanged on FLIR cameras? Will FLIR calibrate my lens with a Tau2 or Quark2?

Tau2 and Quark2 cameras each have unique considerations for
changing
lenses. Regardless of camera model, FLIR advises against customers
changing lenses without first understanding the implications and
consequences.

All FLIR cameras are factory
calibrated, either with a lens or with a special aperture. It is
physically possible to change lenses, however, if a different lens is
installed, the original factory calibration is no longer valid. If the
lens is changed without recalibrating the camera, it will work but the
image performance may be degraded.

Several of the available lenses use
different adapters to attach to the camera body, so changing lenses may
require a different FLIR lens mount. Use of a third-party lens may
require a custom lens mount, as well as knowledge of the back working
distance, to ensure lens focus from infinity down to the minimum
distance capable with the lens focus system. The design of lens mounts
is critical, as a poorly designed mount may introduce unacceptable
image artifacts. As a result, FLIR cannot be responsible for the
performance of third-party optics used with its cameras, nor can FLIR
provide optical design information or support for other than the
existing lens mounts.

Yet another consideration is the
expected frequency of lens changes. Most of the lens adapters used on
Tau2 and Quark2 are thread-mount. Repeated removal and installation of
lenses by unthreading and rethreading can result in debris being
deposited onto the surface of the sensor. In some cases FLIR recommends
changing the lens mount rather than just the lens itself, however
repeated removals and reinstalls of the lens mount will weaken the
integrity of the camera frame over time.

For qualified customers, FLIR can make an Advanced tab
available
through the camera control GUI. The features of the Advanced tab
include the capability to perform lens calibrations on Tau2 and Quark2
cameras. This field-calibration process requires the use of at least
one blackbody source (a uniform, controllable temperature reference)
that has an area greater than the diameter of the front of the lens.
The calibration routine calculates gain terms on a per-pixel basis with
the customer-supplied lens attached to the camera body, and stores the
customer-performed calibration in non-volatile camera memory. A PDF
file describing the process is here: Gain
Cal App Note
Tau2 324 and 336 cameras have three memory locations for lens
calibration data. Tau2 640 cameras have two memory locations for
calibration data. These locations can be accessed via the GUI, or by
serial command. Tau2 cameras have different holders for wide FoV lenses
and narrow FoV lenses.

Although Quark2 has the same memory features as Tau2, FLIR
does not
recommend changing lenses on Quark2. This is because the sensor package
is extremely sensitive to debris that may be introduced when a lens is
removed or installed. Any lens calibration activity should be performed
in a clean room environment by qualified technicians or engineers.